The Philosophy Of Education The Purpose Of Learning Is...

Patrick Miller Philosophy of Education March 1, 2016 Mortimer Adler once said â€Å"the purpose of learning is growth, and our minds, unlike our bodies, can continue growing as long as we live†. (1) I strongly agree with this statement because learning is a lifelong process of acquiring knowledge and developing a particular skill, or set of skills. (5). For this reason, the teaching profession is one of great interest to me because it is something that I have always been passionate about, but most of all, it is something that I enjoy doing. In addition to this, my personal experiences also had a great impact on my decision. For instance, teachers have played an important role in my life as I have grown, by instilling good values in me†¦show more content†¦(4) I can remember how safe I felt in class when it came to answering questions. For most kids answering questions in a classroom setting doesn’t seem like the most enjoyable thing. For some reason though, I felt comfortable putting my hand up and asking or answering questions. I felt that what I had to say had value and I was encouraged to speak up. Due to this, I believe that it is important for a teacher to encourage such behavior because students must feel safe to express their views on topics being discussed. As a teacher, I would encourage my students to let their voices be heard when they feel they have something to add to the learning of their peers and themselves. This kind of openness will lead to a successful learning situation where a student is able to feel comfortable and achieve personal growth. Furthermore, this added involvement will help make things interesting to the students and brings about a fun learning environment. This can best be done by allowing a child to be their curious selves. I would create an atmosphere that would activate my students’ desire to learn, as well as motivate them to set short and long term goals. I found this to be useful during my time as a soccer coach, where the children would discuss what is expected from different drills assigned to them. During this time, they would make a

Selfishness In Animal Farm By George Orwell - 1969 Words

Selfishness is like a cruel parasite that invades governments and leaders minds making them into corrupt and vain zombies. In The Family Romanov, Candace Fleming tells the story of the gruesome regime of Tsar Nicholas Romanov II over Russia and how the tsar ignores the needs of his subjects and instead focuses on using his power for his own personal gain, ultimately corrupting the government. In George Orwells sequel allegory, Animal Farm, it tells the story of pigs, Napoleon, Snowball, and Squealer taking control over ‘Animal Farm’ and how the pigs progressively became more selfish and arrogant, resulting in them becoming who they initially avoided to become-humans. Moreover, Fleming and Orwell argue that unchecked power corrupts†¦show more content†¦Among the powers given†¦the manifesto pledged that no law may go into force without the consent of the Duma...By giving the Duma the final word on the creation of laws, Nicholas had essentially waived his aut ocratic rights...On May 10, 1906... he declared, ‘has caused me to summon representatives elected by the people to assist in the work of legislation’†¦ the Duma demonstrated its anger over the tsar’s gutting of its power by demanding the release all political prisoners. The Duma knew that granting amnesty was Nicholas’s right. It also knew it could no longer enact laws without the tsar’s agreement...Outraged deputies could do nothing to stop this action,† (Fleming 18, 64, 66, 83). Because Nicholas was tsar he was able to hold all the power in Russia. Experiencing this amount of power gave him a benefit that allowed him to do whatever he wanted. He had the privilege of holding all the power in the government and took advantage of that power by changing the Duma once the first session was in action. Nicholas did not want to lose any power showing his greed and how he wanted all the power all to himself. It is also shows how selfish and co rrupt the government/Tsar is when experiencing the privilege of doingShow MoreRelatedAnimal Farm Character Analysis735 Words   |  3 PagesIn the novel, Animal Farm, by George Orwell, there is one very particular character whose pride and selfishness creates problems. This character had just merely good ideas in the beginning. However, as time went on, his true self-interest began to shine through. This character started a free republic of animals and turned it into a plantation that used animals as slaves. He never did have enough and always wanted more, regardless of the price that others had to pay. This character whose pride andRead MoreAnimal Farm, By George Orwell1545 Words   |  7 Pagesallow because an this elite institution of people often use this gear to dominate and oppress society. In George Orwell’s story, Animal Farm, Orwell demonstrates that education is a powerful weapon and is a device that can be used to at least one’s benefit. Living in a world where strength is a straightforward to benefit, the pigs quick use education to govern the relaxation of the animals on the farm to serve themselves worked to their advantage. This story in shows the underlying message that   firstRead MoreEducation In Animal Farm, By George Orwell1537 Words   |  7 Pagesallow because an this elite institution of people often use this gear to dominate and oppress society. In George Orwell’s story, Animal Farm, Orwell demonstrates that education is a powerful weapon and is a device that can be used to at least one’s benefit. Living in a world where strength is a straightforward to benefit, the pigs quick use education to govern the relaxation of the animals on the farm to serve themselves worked to their advantage. This story in shows the underlying message that   firstRead MoreWhat Is The Importance Of Ignorance In Animal Farm1558 Words   |  7 Pagesallow because of this elite institution of people often use this gear to domi nate and oppress society. In George Orwell’s story, Animal Farm, Orwell demonstrates that education is a powerful weapon and is a device that can be used to at least one’s benefit. Living in a world where strength is a straightforward benefit, the pigs quick use education to govern the relaxation of the animals on the farm to serve themselves worked to their advantage. This story in shows the underlying message that   first,Read MoreSimilarities Between The Truman Show And Animal Farm965 Words   |  4 PagesThe texts Animal Farm by George Orwell and The Truman Show directed by Peter Weir examine the ideas of power, the good life and utopia. In the novel Animal Farm, Orwell narrates the progression of animals engaging in a rebellion against their owner, who mistreats them. In the Film, the Truman show, Weir chronicles the progressive advancement of Truman’s freedom, for the reason that he is trapped in a fantasy world. Both Orwell and Weir address the two texts in a similar way. The passages correspondinglyRead MoreAllegory in Animal Farm, by George Orwell Essay1024 Words   |  5 PagesGeorge Orwell wrote the novel Animal Farm. Orwell uses the genre of allegory to illustrate his satirical views of the Russian Revolution. As Britain and Russia were allies during the War, Orwell was forbidden to straightforwardly express his opinion. During the Second World War, George Orwell wrote the novel â€Å"Animal Farm†. Orwell uses the genre of allegory to illustrate his satirical views of the Russian Revolution. As Britain and Russia were allies during the War, Orwell was forbiddenRead MoreThe Importance of Squealer1346 Words   |  6 Pagescharacteristics that describe Squealer in the book Animal Farm by George Orwell. This pig is also a messenger, an actor, a great persuasive speaker, a follower, and an outstanding liar. Hes nimble, hes clever, hes manipulative and most of all hes sneaky. Squealer uses his intelligence to persuade the other animals on the farm into doing what Napoleon wants, even if they dont really want to do it. He uses his craftiness and cunning to persuade the animals into thinking that he is on their side and hesRead MoreAnimal Farm, By George Orwell1089 Words   |  5 PagesIn George Orwell’s â€Å"Animal Farm†, the pigs as the farm leaders, use unknown language, invoke scare tactics and create specific laws, thereby enabling them to control other animals, to suit their greedy desires, and to perform actions outside their realm of power. Because of the pigs’ use of broad langua ge, and the implementation of these tactics they are able to get away with avoiding laws, and are able to convince other animals into believing untrue stories that are beneficial to the pigs. The firstRead MoreAnalysis of George Orwell ´s Animal Farm1077 Words   |  5 Pages‘Animal Farm’ is considered as one of George Orwell’s most popular and enduring works. Utilizing the form of the animal fable the short novel chronicles the story of a group of barnyard animals that revolt against their human masters in an attempt to create an Utopian state. Orwell satires the rise and decline of socialism in the Soviet Union and the emergence of the totalitarian regime of Joseph Stalin. The key members of the Russian revolution are parodied as farmyard animals: Trotsky as snowballRead MoreGeorge Orwell s Animal Farm1395 Words   |  6 PagesGeorge Orwell’s Animal Farm: The Power of Corruption In George Orwell’s Animal Farm, Orwell illustrates how power corrupts absolutely and how Napoleon degrades the structure and stability of Animal Farm because of the decisions that he makes. I will also expand on the idea of how Old Major’s ideas for an organized society get completely destroyed by Napoleon’s revolutionary actions. It was ironic and satirical that Napoleon’s own power annihilates Animal Farm. The satire in George Orwell’s Animal

French Court System Free Essays

The French court system is a double pyramid structure. There are two separate orders: administrative courts and judicial courts. Each order has a pyramid structure, with a single court at the top and various courts at the base. We will write a custom essay sample on French Court System or any similar topic only for you Order Now Litigants displeased with a court decision can seek a review before the next court up in the hierarchy. In each order, a single court of last instance ensures that the lower courts interpret the law in the same way. The administrative courts settle disputes between users and public authorities. The Conseil d’Etat hears cases in first and last instance. It is both adviser to the government and the supreme administrative court. †¢The courts with general competence are the administrative courts, administrative appeal courts and the Conseil d’Etat (as a jurisdiction). †¢Administrative courts with special competence are the financial courts (Court of Auditors, Regional Courts of Auditors, Court of Budget and Financial Discipline) and various other tribunals like the disciplinary bodies of professional orders. The judicial courts settle disputes between persons and sanction offences against persons, property and society. There are three categories of judicial court: †¢the courts of first instance: – the civil courts: district courts, regional courts, commercial courts, employment tribunals, agricultural land tribunals, social security tribunals; – the criminal courts: . ordinary courts: police courts, regional criminal courts, assize courts; . specialised courts: juvenile courts, military courts, political courts and the maritime criminal court; local courts, created by Act 2002-1138 of 9 September 2002 to meet the need to make justice more accessible, swifter and capable of dealing more appropriately with small claims and minor offences. Local courts have lay judges; †¢the courts of second instance: the appeal courts; †¢the supreme court: the Court of Cassation, responsible for ensuring compliance with the rules of law applied by lower courts. It judges the fo rm and not the merits, unlike the courts of first and second instance, which judge the facts. How to cite French Court System, Essay examples

Golf Essay Example For Students

Golf Essay Golf is about 10% physical and about 90% mental. A golfer has an inventory ofvarious moods while on the course, awareness of these moods and being able tocontrol them is what can make or break a golf game. A very crucial point in golfis determining your club distances. Many golfers really dont know how fareach club can be hit. In addition to knowing how far you must hit a club, agolfer must also be educated on how to play under different weather conditions. One area that can really make emotions take off is putting. Putting is a part ofthe game that takes the most concentration because there really is no singlecorrect way to putt. Determining your club distances can be a bit tricky attimes because many variables can come into play such as wind, altitude,temperature and excitement level. Winds depending on their speed can make theball go long, short, to the left or to the right. Also the higher the altitudethe further you will hit the ball. For example, a golfer teeing off on a par 3(179yards) with a 10 mile per hour wind behind him may have to use a 7 ironinstead of a 5 or a 6. This is because the wind could push or carry the ball anadditional 10 to 15 yards farther. Weather conditions can come into play aswell. The sun in particular can make the course conditions very dry and hard. When the landscape of a golf course is dry and hard the ball will have atendency to bounce and role a significant distance farther than normal. Incontrary, when the conditions are wet, like after it rains, the ball will stickor not go very far from were it landed. For example, a golfer may have playedtwo rounds of golf on two different days, the first may have been a beautifulsunny day with dry conditions and the other may have been a day after a night ofrain, in turn made the conditions of the golf course change dramatically. Thisdramatic change has altered the way this golfer must play. The first day wasworry free because conditions were ideal, but playing the second day the golfershad to anticipate where their ball was going to land and maybe use a longer clubbecause the air is saturated and more dense than usual. Another aspect of thegame is knowing how far each club in bag can be hit. At average a 3 iron shouldbe hit around 190 yards, 4 iron around 180 yards, 5 iron around 170, 6 ironaround 160, 7 iron around 150, 8 iron around 140, 9 iron between 115 and 130, PW(pitching wedge) 110 and a SW (sand wedge) up to a 100 yards. The putter is in aclass of its own, it cant be hit as far as any of the other clubs but it isthe most important club in the bag. There is no style when it comes to putting;its getting it in the hole that counts. There are so many different kinds ofputters available and so many different stories about how a proper puttingstroke should be executed. The fact of the matter is about 80% of tournamentplayers use a grip were the upper hand is on the grip with the index fingerclear of the grip and with the lower hand on the grip allowing all the fingersto hold the grip. Ball positioning is very important the ball should be in themiddle of the stance, the putter face should be square to the ball and theputter face should be at a ball to target line with your eyes directly over theball. Knowledge on how to play under different weather conditions, knowing howfar each club in your bag can be hit and the know how on putting are all verycrucial in the game of golf. If a golfer is cultured in all three, he/she willbe on the right track to becoming a better golfer. Even if the ball doesnt gostraight!Sports and Games

Abormal Behavior essays

Abormal Behavior essays Abnormal Behavior, what is it? Who is to say, what is normal and what is not normal? Now, take it a step further. Who determines abnormal behavior verses normal behavior? Who differentiate between the two? Is it us, (the people, who claim to be normal), your parents, your peers, your environment, or is it society? Often times we are quick to pass judgment on individuals who are acting in a manner that is unacceptable, but unacceptable to, whom? We all have been taught the difference between right and wrong, but is that difference so great that it flirts along the lines of what is normal, and what is not normal? Is it normal for a two-year-old child to talk back to his or her parents? Is it normal for a people to speak to one another when they have made eye contact? Is it normal for men to watch football on Sundays, and for women to watch daytime drama shows during the week? Before we can answer any of these questions we need to know what is behavior, and then differentiate between w hat is normal, and what is abnormal behavior? Behavior is the manner in which a person behaves, whether they can conform to the standards, or whether they cannot conform to the standards. And once again I pose the question who sets the standards? Society, thats who. We as a people have already laid out a path of what we think is acceptable and what is not acceptable, the same way that we as a society have deemed what is normal and what is abnormal behavior. When we ask a society how they define abnormal behavior, we are asking first, where does that society draw the line between acceptable and unacceptable behavior and, secondly, which unacceptable behaviors the society views as evidence of abnormal rather than simply, undesirable. How are these questions best answered? It is simple, these questions are best answered through what we call societys norms. It has been said that psychology "has a long history but a short past." Thi...

does media violence effect society essays

does media violence effect society essays Media is undoubtedly the greatest medium of communication in our society, but how does medias portrayal of violence affect us as a whole? Is musics explicit lyrics and televisions raunchy and violent content the cause of our downfall, or is it merely an accurate depiction of todays society? Two young males were fatally shot with multiple gun wounds to the head and chest, how many times have we all heard these words on the evening news? Although the news is a media to educate us on the goings on in the world, much of America chooses not to view these daily programs due to the fact that most of it concentrates on violence. Though, violence is not only limited the local news which merely exposes us to what actually takes place, but what about the many violent television programs that frequent our airwaves. With the eruption of professional wrestling, our children now view beating each other up, breaking chairs, choke holding and the various other violent gimmicks used by these wrestlers as an exciting norm. Hasta La Vista Baby, the famous words of Arnold Schwarzenegger as he as he literally annihilates a mall full of shoppers. These are the types of gruesome acts that moviegoers pay millions of dollars a year to see. Do the R ratings attract us? Is it the gore that we view on the TV previews? Or, is it the mentality that society has cultivated towards violence? The more gruesome the movie, the more likely we are to run out to see it on opening night. Our society is such that we tend to put on a pedestal the actors and actresses that use profanity, expose themselves and are more violent on the silver screen. Ultimately sex and violence sells, and in this society the almighty dollar is of utmost importance. Parents cannot stop children from witnessing the harsh realities of society, violence, sex and crime. However, it is their role as parents to enforce a strong sense of m...

Sustainable Management Futures Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 2

Sustainable Management Futures - Essay Example But the main concern that is being asked by the people is when the economy will find the smooth path that is when the economy is expected to work according to the anticipations. The government must aim to attain higher growth than just making policies to deal with the storms that can affect the international economy. The Prime Minister believes that a better economy can be build under the current regime. According to him, human wealth and happiness can only be improved through open markets and free enterprise. The system of open market as well as and the free enterprise regime will generate progress to lift the people out of poverty and lay down the path of innovation. Open markets and free enterprise acts a bridge between contribution and reward. The idea of market that was presented by him is of something for something. This idea needs encouragement rather than condemn. Therefore, one should use the crisis of capitalism rather than undermining them. As the economy has experienced t he situation before, so the strengths and the weaknesses of the free market regime are known. All are certain of the situations where market works and where it fails. The prospects of globalization can slide into monopolization. Such situations will drive the small and the local players out of the market. Two problems can creep up in open market regime. The first problem that can creep in is vision of social responsibility and the second problem is the one of popular capitalism which allows all to share in the success of the open market. According to the minister, the previous government did not take the requisite steps to regulate capitalism. He opined that labor either went towards socialism or embraced capitalism. They did not realize that capitalism has negative aspects too. He declared that Tories have the capability to understand capitalism better and know how to deal with the worst excesses of the system. Capitalism can also be the resultant of loss of moral choices. An examp le of the banking system can be taken into account. Many people think that time calls for do something for the associated corruption and greed accrued in the banking system. One thing that is frequently missed by the people is that capitalism requires free market. The price and the quantity are determined by the market itself. The presence or absence of government can give rise to more economic problems. The government may not take the necessary steps and then blame the economic system. The politicians cry for regulations and continue to expand their power at the expense of the people. The time has come for involvement of more people in a genuinely popular capitalism. The last government claimed to get out from the boom and bust but what it really did was allowed the economy fuelled by debt to get out of control. The serious imbalances between the financial and manufacturing services were the resultant. The initiatives encouraged the debt to crop up higher as it needed to pay the ri sing costs of welfare. This paved the way for market failures. The previous government left all with a share of debt. People became concerned that they will lose purchasing power and the whole system lost confidence. The whole system ended up with

Critically analyse the recruitment challenges in the case study, Essay

Critically analyse the recruitment challenges in the case study, including how they impact on the strategic issues mentioned in the case - Essay Example According to Bradshaw (2007), in any profession, employees are attracted to work for an organisation that can guarantee full time job.1 This way, employees are assured of job security and development in their course of employment in the organisation. With this in mind, Black CAP employs individuals to work for it on a contract basis, which is a part time job that lasts for three to five years. In this regard, the organisation has a challenge of hiring people that wish to work on a part time basis. In fact, studies have documented that most of the people that work on a part time basis lack the necessary skills, experience and competence that can foster organisational growth (Allen 2008). This is attributable to the idea of lack of full time job that can lock such people from acquiring skills and experience obtained by people employed permanently through training and development and other incentives accrued from long term employment.2 Therefore, Black CAP may end up only hiring desperate employees that have failed securing job in other organisations and decide to work in any organisation under any working conditions provided by the organisation. Besides, Kim (2006) noted that owing to the fact that the employees know that they would not be working for the organisation for a long time, employees can lack the required motivation to keep them productive to bring change to the organisation.3 Yudhvir (2012) argued that there are many incentives that help improve the morale of workers including non monetary benefits.4 One of these incentives is the assurance of the employer to employee that he has a permanent job that he can rely on. This way, the employee is motivated to work hard to produce top results for the organisation.5 Since Black CAP is a nonprofit organisation, its remuneration package for its employees is much far less than that of private and public sectors. Therefore, the organisation is faced with the challenge of attracting proficient

Management of Organisation Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Management of Organisation - Assignment Example This journal article will show clearly that team work is directly proportional to the performance of any organization. The article is having clear purpose of showing that good team performance can enhance performance of organization and at the same time poor team performance can be a serious problem for organization. Team work is having both positive and negative effects on the performance of the organization. This journal article will show all different positivity and negativity of team work. Managements of different organizations are giving lots of importance towards team work. Organizations are trying to build super performing team for enhancing performance of organizations. This journal will give them a clear picture about the importance of team work. Generally it is being noticed that a team consists of people coming from different cultures and different backgrounds. They stick together for achieving a common goal. As the culture, language and back ground are different it poses lots of challenge for organization to stitch them into a common fabric. Lots of issues can be there. This journal will help to understand all those issues and will provide support by discussing different remedies for those issues. Day by day managing a team is getting more and more complex. Issues are getting more and more deep rooted. In this scenario this journal will play an important supportive role for every organization to enhance their performance through team work. In modern day organization team work is an unavoidable aspect. The article is having very clear and obvious purpose of enlightening organizations about different contributions of team work in organization performance (Youngkyun, 2008, pp. 145-149). In team work it is often being noticed that individual performances are decreasing. People work less in groups than individuals. It is called social loafing. One of the issues is that it is very difficult to measure an individual

In The Time Of The Butterflies Essay

In The Time Of The Butterflies Essay Many years ago, people believed that women did not have the right to express their ideas and feelings. These people thought that women were born just to get married and become mothers, and if they considered going to school they were often punished by society. At that time, women were not allowed to go to school or to have a job because they had to be in charge of the house. At home, women had not only to take care of their children but also they had to satisfy their husbands, take care of the old and sick members of the family and do the housework. Something very important that we have to consider is that in those times the families did not have just one or two children, but six or seven. This made it even more difficult for them. Women of that time were discriminated against socially. They did not have the same opportunities as men. Women could not have important jobs, and if they had, they did not receive the same treatment and salaries as men. Women were the worst paid and the mo st exploited. Women had always a secondary role in the family and society. Fortunately now, the situation has changed and society has established more rights for the protection of the women. However, there are still some places where people continue to have the negative beliefs about keeping women always at home. Nowadays, women have rebelled against those who think they are just an object that can be bought and sold. Most of them are not afraid to fight for their rights anymore, they are now allowed to do everything they want; they can work, they can express their opinions, they can attend school, and they can even vote and have important jobs in our society. In our new society, women can have as important jobs as men. For example, in Germany, the citizens have a woman as president because now society supports them and believes in them. In this paper, the two stories that I am going to analyse are In The Time of the Butterflies written by Julia Alvarez and The Color Purple written by Alice Walker. My essay is going to focus on the role of the main women in each story. Celie, Nettie, Sofia and the Mirabal sisters. The reason I decided to talk about this topic is because even though I am a man, I think women should receive the same treatment and opportunities as us, men. And also because it is very important to know that women have an important and essential role not only at home but also in labour lives. In The Time of the Butterflies is a story that talks about the lives of the Mirabal family, especially of the Mirabal sisters. This story takes place in the Dominican Republic where each Mirabal sister narrates the story according to her point of view. The Mirabal sisters called Patria, Minerva, Dedà © and Maria Teresa. These women were involved in a movement against Trujillo, who at that time governed the Dominican Republic. This man was an oppressor and he governed the nation in a brutal and cruel way. This movement against Trujillo shows the Mirabal sisters as strong women, women who fought for their rights and who gave their lives in order to get the treatment any woman deserved. On the other hand, The Color Purple is a story about violence, oppression and discrimination against women. Celie, a little black girl, is raped by her stepfather many times. She had two babies by him. Celie receives discrimination from white people, who treat black people as animals or, at best, as servants. Celie is given to Mr Black by her stepfather. Mr Black forces Celie to have sexual relations with him. He beats her. The babies Celie has had from her stepfather have been taken away from her. Celie is just fourteen years old, but she has now to take care of Mr Blacks children. Celie knows nothing about love because she has never experienced that feeling. She has just received beating and oppression from everyone. Mr Black has a son, Harpo, who marries to Sofia. Harpo humiliates and hits Sofia. But he gets a huge surprise; Sofia will not allow it. Sofia is a strong and independent woman who fights for her rights. Nettie, Celie ´s sister, is discriminated against as well. As we see, these two stories have many things in common, and one of the most important is the role that women play in each novel. In The Time of the Butterflies, the Mirabal sisters grew up in an upper class because their father was a businessman. The Mirabal sisters were very close and they were expected to get married and to have babies, and that is what they did. The Mirabal sisters supported each other in any decision they made. Here we can find a clear similarity with The Color Purple; it is because in this novel the sisters Celie and Nettie were always very close as well. Even though these sisters were separated from each other, they were together their thoughts. Another similarity between these two stories is that in both novels women have very traditional roles. For example, in The Color Purple when Celie is taken to Mr Black ´s house, she has to take care of the children, do the housework and satisfy Mr Black. She has to do everything Mr Black wants; she was even forc ed to have sexual relations. Celie was hit by Mr Black and she received a terrible treatment. Even though Celie was just fourteen years old Mr Black did not allow her to attend school. Women at that time were expected to get married and become mothers and going to school did not make any sense at all. It is another similarity with In The Time of the Butterflies, people also thought that women should stay at home with the children. A clear difference between these women is that in The Color Purple Celie, the protagonist of the novel, and her sister Nettie, did not have the opportunity of attending school. They were poor and they did not have someone who could support them. On the other hand, In The Time of the Butterflies, the Mirabal sisters, Patria, Dedà ©, Maria Teresa and Minerva had the opportunity to study because their father, Don Enrique Mirabal, earned enough money to send them to school. However, these sisters suffered too, but in a different way. The Mirabal sisters suffered because of Trujillo. Trujillo was the government of Dominican Republic at that time. He was an oppressor and his dictatorship was brutal. Trujillo used to treat women as objects, he could have any woman he wanted because he had the power. Here, we have another similarity with The Color Purple, in this novel Mr Black was an oppressor and a dictator too. He forces Celie to do things she did not want to do. However, Celie had to ob ey him, and she did not have the opportunity to say what she really thought. Mr Black had Celie as a servant in his house while he spent time with Shug Avery, a woman who Mr. Black loved. Thats why Trujillo and Mr Black have many things in common. Both were machinists. In The Color Purple we have Sofia, character who for me is the strongest woman in the novel. Sofia married Harpo, Mr. Black ´s son. Harpo wants to treat Sofia, his wife; of the same manner, his father treats Celie. However, Sofia is a very intelligent woman and she does not allow it. On the contrary, Sofia takes control of the house and she does not allow herself to be insulted by anybody. She confronts even the white community, this community treated blacks as animals, but Sofia rebelled against that and she fought for her freedom. Unfortunately, she was taken to jail because she hits and insults a very important white man in the town. The similarity with In The Time of the Butterflies is that Sofia has the same courage that Minerva, one of the Mirabal sisters. For me, Minerva was also the bravest and strongest woman in this novel. I think these two women are similar. They have the same purpose in fighting; they wanted freedom for themselves and for their families. These two women did not really care if they lost their freedom in order to get their fights. Minerva Mirabal gave her life in order to have a better country and Sofia, from The Color Purple, lost her freedom in order to get a better treatment for her family and for the black community. Another similarity I found is that in each novel there is one woman who narrates or tells her story through writings. For example, in In The Time of the Butterflies Dedà © narrates her story through a diary, in which she wrote all that happened to her. On the other hand, In The Color Purple Celie tells her story through letters to God. In these papers, Celi and Dedà ¨ could write all their thought and all those things they could not say in front of people. In these papers, they expressed all they felt. And I could say that these papers were like a person they could talk to. In conclusion, I can say that these two stories made me think about the life I want for my daughters in a future. In these novels there was much tragedy but they showed me the value people should give to the women. I personally believe that all women have to have the same opportunities. The society should not distinguish between black and white women, because they are all equals. Consequently, they have to be treated in the same manner as the society treats men. Women have the same and even more capacity as men and sometimes they are stronger. Women have the power to sacrifice her life in order to save their relatives not matter what. The difference between genders is just an obstacle created by the human mind.

Land Destruction Essay -- Environmental Ecology Nature Essays

Land Destruction What is land destruction? Land destruction involves many different things. It can be logging of trees and rain forest. Nuclear waste is one that is very serious that is harmful to the land. As well, pollution, air, water and land all do damage of some kind. Land destruction is something that doesn’t need to be taking lightly. There are many other items such as building and dams that cause damage to the land as well. This is a topic that needs to be addressed and fixed. All of this items listed above are dreadful to the land. Land destruction needs to be stopped and taken care of before it goes to far to stop. Pollution is something that is everywhere. It is a subject that affects the way of life across the world. â€Å"The causes of pollution in the region include agricultural practices, mining, and household and industrial activities that generate waste streams into water, air, and land systems.† (Zurick, 1) Causes of pollution vary from what they are to what they do the land. Chemicals are one type of pollution that does serious harm to the land. â€Å"World sales in chemical products have multiplied nine times since 1970, increasing from 171 billion dollars to 1500 billions in 1998.† (Industrial, 1) This meaning that there are more chemicals out there to do more damage to the land. â€Å"Among the most polluting products are heavy metals - for example, mercury inside batteries, lead in gasoline - and pollutants made from oil (plastic†¦).† (Industrial, 1) There are many cars around the world that need gasoline to run as well as batteries to make the auto mobiles go where they need to go. â€Å"One battery containing mercury thrown into nature pollutes 400 liters of water and one third of land during 50 years.... ... keep down the waste. As well as replanting trees after logging takes place. We need to get land destruction under control before it become to much, and our land becomes overrun with dirt and pollution and it can not be used for anything. The land damage needs to be stopped now, and help keep the world in good shape so the future generations will have land to enjoy! Work Cited â€Å"Industrial Pollution†. Young Reporter for the Environment. http://www.ac-grenoble.fr/yre/article.php3?id_article=212. Joyce, S. Is It Worth a Dam?. Environmental Health Perspectives Volume 105, Number 10, October 1997. â€Å"Land Destruction†. Saving Our Environment. http:// library.thinkquest.org/C0111401/land_pollution.htm Reisner, M. (2000). A Forest of Voices: Conversations in Ecology (2nd Ed.). Coming Undammed. Mountain View, CA: Mayfield Publishing Company.

Automobile Industry China Essay

? China became the world’s largest automobile producer and market in 2009 with annual sales of nearly 14 million vehicles. The market continues to expand in 2010. In the first nine months of 2010, automobile production reached 13. 08 million units, a 36. 1 percent increase from a year ago. The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) raised its forecast for annual sales to reach a record 17 million this year, matching the highest annual total ever reached in the United States. Industry growth has been primarily driven by rising domestic demand stemming from rising incomes, a growing middle class, and by supportive industry policies from the Chinese government. The Chinese automotive industry remains very fragmented. In addition, Chinese central government officials fear that unchecked expansion of China’s auto industry encouraged by local authorities could harm the wider economy, and that excess capacity must be stopped. Hence, the central government continues to push for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the automotive industry which will support the emergence of a few leading national companies. China’s weak R&D, domestic innovation and design capabilities are key challenges to its international competitiveness. With the government’s encouragement, domestic firms have opted for strategic partnerships with foreign players, aiming to facilitate technology transfer and improve domestic design and engineering capabilities. The Chinese government has implemented a number of tax adjustments and subsidies for automobile purchases to encourage hybrid electric vehicles, pure electric vehicles and traditional vehicles of small engine displacement. Beijing has gradually introduced higher automobile emission standards for new vehicles. Plans to develop hybrid electric and pure electric vehicle production capabilities are part of a broader, environmentally friendly strategy to develop the auto industry. Market opportunities exist especially in the following areas: o Developing domestic innovation capabilities (e.g. vehicle design and engineering, hybrid electric and pure electric engines, electric motors and electric controls) o Productivity and quality upgrade (e. g. engines, transmissions, electronic control systems and safety systems) o Mergers and acquisitions (both in China and in Israel) o Clean transportation technologies 3 China’s Automotive Sector – Prepared for IEICI Updated November 2010 (Original April 2009) ? ? ? ? ? ? o Advanced manufacturing technologies o Supply of essential automotive components/systems to OEMs (e. g.electronic control systems and safety systems) ? The following automotive segments in China are considered to be highly competitive and it will likely be difficult for Israeli firms to penetrate the market unless they have an extreme competitive advantage: Fabric for seats/interiors, seat covers, floor mats, curtains, aluminum die casting, rubber bumpers, electronic harness cables, antennae, speakers, electric starters, vehicle cleaning products, window films, A/C compressors, fuel and oil and air filters. 1. MARKET OVERVIEW ? ? China’s automotive market has the most growth potential in the world; per capita car ownership is still remarkably low at 4. 78% and is expected to grow significantly. Domestic whole-vehicle manufacturers and automotive suppliers are still extremely fragmented (government-supported consolidation is imminent in the near future); challenges remain for domestic R&D and design. With government subsidies and tax incentives, China is aiming to establish an early footing in the production of low-emission and environmentally friendly automobiles. Component imports surged by 130% in the first half of 2010; 60% of imported components were drivetrains, engines or automotive body components. ? ? 1. 1 GENERAL OVERVIEW Market Growth Primarily fueled by domestic and partly by foreign demand, China’s rapidly expanding automotive industry has outpaced the nation’s already impressive GDP growth rates in recent years. Domestically, rising incomes and encouragement from the Chinese government for the urban population to obtain drivers licenses have spurred the demand for passenger vehicles. The booming passenger vehicle market has led to a soaring demand for automotive components. Internationally, automotive manufacturers faced with decreasing margins and profitability have sought out more affordable supply chain solutions, looking to China as a potential source for lower cost automotive components. Unlike developed markets for passenger vehicles, where growth in demand has been largely stagnant, China’s domestic demand for new automobiles has skyrocketed in the past years. Strong car sales in China in 2009 pushed the auto market to the largest in the world, and 2010 is set follow the positive trend. 4 China’s Automotive Sector – Prepared for IEICI Updated November 2010 (Original April 2009). Source: China Association of Automotive Manufacturers (CAAM) In the first nine months of 2010, automobile sales reached 13. 08 million units, up 36. 1% from a year ago. Over 9 million of the total sales were passenger cars and 3. 24 million were commercial vehicles. CAAM predicted that the 2010 annual sales will reach a record of 17 million units. It is widely believed that China’s automotive market currently has the most growth potential in the world. China’s 2009 per capita private car ownership was 4. 78%, far less than the 40% average of developed countries, and even less than other emerging markets such as Russia, Brazil and India. This is a strong indication that China’s domestic market is far from being overly saturated. According to CAAM predictions, growth in the auto industry will remain strong until 2020 with annual growth expected to consistently range from 13 to 15 percent. The total number of vehicles will jump from 67 to 150 million. Sales in larger tierone and tier-two cities as well as rural areas should keep growing at a rapid pace over the next few years and high growth areas will move from eastern China to the central and western regions. Market Players There are currently more than 100 whole-vehicle manufacturers and nearly 8,000 automotive parts manufacturers in China, located primarily in Southern, Eastern, and Northeastern and central China (see the map on the right). Together, the top ten passenger vehicle manufacturers (seven of which are joint ventures (JVs) make up almost 90% of China’s market share (see the table below). Nearly every major global vehicle manufacturer has established JV operations in China. 5 China’s Automotive Sector – Prepared for IEICI Updated November 2010 (Original April 2009). Top 10 Passenger Vehicle Manufacturers in China (2009) Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Source: CAAM Company SAIC1 FAW2 Dongfeng Chana (incl. Hafei) Beijing Auto Guangzhou Auto Chery BYD Brilliance Geely Others HQ Shanghai Changchun Wuhan Chongqing Beijing Guangzhou Hefei Shenzhen Shenyang Taizhou JV Partner GM, VW VW, Toyota, Mazda PSA, Nissan, Honda Ford, Mazda, Suzuki Hyundai Daimler Honda, Toyota, Isuzu, Fiat N/A N/A BMW, Toyota N/A Sales (Unit) 2,705. 5K 1,944. 6K 1,897. 7K 1,869. 8K 1,243. 0K 606. 6K 500. 3K 448. 4K 348. 3K 329. 1K 1,750K Market Share 19. 83% 14. 25% 13. 91% 13. 70% 9. 11% 4. 45% 3. 67% 3. 29% 2. 55% 2. 41% 12. 84% Import Positive demand growth for automobiles and components has not only caused domestic industry development, but has led to increased attention from leading foreign automotive manufacturers eager to expand into the rapidly growing market. Foreign automotive manufacturers have also been encouraged by lower import tariffs, which have been lowered for whole vehicles from 70-80% to 25% since China joined the World Trade Organization (WTO). Import tariffs on Semi-Knocked-Downs (SKDs) and Complete-Knocked-Downs (CKDs) have dropped from 50% to 25%, while import tariffs on vehicle components have dropped from 15% to 10%. 1 2 Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation First Auto Works 6 China’s Automotive Sector – Prepared for IEICI Updated November 2010 (Original April 2009) China’s automotive import growth was slowed due to weaker demand caused by the global economic crisis of 2009. Annual total import were USD 33. 1 billion in 2009, representing a year-onyear increase of only 5. 34%. Assisted by government incentive programs and China’s economic recovery, China’s auto import total bounced back from a sluggish 2009, surging by 130% to USD 27. 22 billion in the first half of 2010. Imported European luxury cars had a remarkable 237. 2% increase in 2010 compared to the same period the previous year. China’s automotive component imports grew to USD 12. 7 billion in the first half of 2010, a 90% increase over the same period of 2009. Drivetrain, engine and automotive body components accounted for over 60% of the total component imports (see chart). More than 80% of the imported components came from Japan, German, Korea, and the United States. The main groups of imported automotive components to China can be divided into three categories: ? Japanese and Korean OEMs and Tier I suppliers: Generally these companies tend to only use suppliers from their country of origin. For example, Toyota typically sources components from Japanese JVs or Wholly Owned Foreign Enterprises (WFOEs) on the mainland, or directly imports from Japan. Such practice tends to result from strict quality requirements, cultural compatibility and logistical concerns. German OEMs and Tier I suppliers: These companies typically import components in the areas where Chinese suppliers are weak (e. g. safety systems for high-end passenger cars). The US and French OEMs operating in China have not increased their automotive component imports as much as their peers for different reasons. US OEMs have steadily increased their sourcing from local Chinese suppliers for vehicles manufactured in China to stay competitive, and French OEMs are facing a shrinking market share in China. ? ? Chinese OEMs are emerging buyers of imported automotive components, especially in the segments of hybrid and electric vehicles and Chinese-brand luxury vehicles. 7 China’s Automotive Sector – Prepared for IEICI Updated November 2010 (Original April 2009) Export The impact of the economic crisis in 2008-2009 forced many multinational companies to reduce their sourcing of automotive vehicles and components from China. According to CAAM, China exported a total of 369,600 units in 2009 worth USD 5. 19 billion, which was down by 46% from 2008. China’s auto exports rebounded as the global market recovered in 2010, with 250,100 vehicles exported in the first six months (up 55. 93% year-on-year). Passenger vehicle exports surged 115. 93% to 116,500 units, while commercial vehicle exports increased 25. 50% to 133,900 units. Algeria, Vietnam and Egypt were the major whole-vehicle export destinations in the first half of 2010. The auto component’s export growth has witnessed even more impressive growth than whole-vehicles. Exports increased 54. 11% to reach USD 18 billion in the first half year of 2010, with drive system components exceeding 50% of the total by value. More than 50% of the components were exported to the USA, Japan, South Korea, Germany and the United Kingdom. 1. 2 MARKET STRUCTURE Supplier Landscape The automotive supplier landscape in China is extremely fragmented. According to CAAM, there are approximately 8,000 automotive enterprises scattered across various segments including full vehicle manufacturing, vehicle refitting, motorcycle production, engine production and automotive parts manufacturing. Most of these companies specialize in lower-end parts and lack the capital needed to invest in production of higher quality products. Seven of China’s ten largest components manufacturers are foreign companies, and about 70% of the country’s USD 160 billion auto supply market is occupied by foreign companies or joint ventures. There are approximately 120 OEMs in total, 40% of which produce passenger vehicles. One of the key contributors to the fragmentation of the automotive market as a whole is that Chinese suppliers serve a large amount of separate OEMs. The world’s leading automotive companies are all well-established in China. OEMs are represented by Ford, General Motors (GM), Volkswagen (VW), Daimler, BMW, PSA, Mazda, Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, and tier-one international companies including Bosch, Delphi, Denso, Johnson Controls, Lear, Magna, Visteon, Yazaki, ZF, Arvin Meritor and TRW. 8 China’s Automotive Sector – Prepared for IEICI Updated November 2010 (Original April 2009) Most of the international automaker and component manufactures have invested heavily in China in attempts to gain a competitive edge. For example, GM, Ford and Jaguar Land Rover have established their Asia Pacific headquarters in China. GM, VW and Honda have also opened China R&D centers and have begun to design car models specifically for the Chinese consumer. International automotive components companies have also expanded their presence in China. For instance, BorgWarner recently opened a China Technical Center. ZF announced the establishment of its Asia Pacific headquarters in Shanghai as well as a new Shanghai R&D center. Eaton’s Asia Pacific headquarters is in Shanghai. Rapid expansion from international firms has let to foreign-invested automotive components suppliers holding 70% of the Chinese market share. Most of the top Chinese automotive parts manufacturers are wholly owned domestic companies such as ASIMCO, Wanxiang, Hongteo, Fuyao, Dicastal, Wanfeng and others. These companies could be potential competitors or partners for Israeli companies. In response to the soaring domestic demand, Chinese automotive component manufacturers have ramped up their production capacities significantly, but this has also led to an increase in quality complaints. Key Challenges for the Domestic Industry Chinese suppliers are now looking beyond the domestic market and improving their production process to emerge as true global competitors. However, further investment in R&D is still required before Chinese manufacturers can truly compete globally, as the industry still lacks technological capability and suffers from quality issues. China’s Automotive Sector – Prepared for IEICI Updated November 2010 (Original April 2009) Flagship Domestic Automotive Companies Chery Automotive (Chery) ? Founded in 1997 and now has an annual production capacity of 650,000 vehicles, 400,000 engines, and 400,000 sets of gearboxes. ? Continues to expand into the overseas market and has established plants in 16 countries becoming the biggest Chinese vehicle exporter for seven consecutive years. ? Chery Automobile Test & Technology Center opened in July 2010, which became the largest auto lab in Asia. The company will invest RMB 2. 4 billion in 2010 to accelerate its new model development. ? Chery now owns a full set of manufacturing and R&D facilities, including four car plants, two engine plants, a gearbox plant, an automobile engineering research institute, an automobile planning and design institute and an automobile test & technology center. ? Have extensive technological and business relationships with overseas auto companies. Chery signed an agreement with Chrysler to produce Chery made cars under the Chrysler brand to be sold in the United States and Mexico. ? Chery Quantum Auto. Ltd is a joint venture between Chery and Quantum LLC under an Israeli Group. They aimed to invest USD 334 million in 2010 to develop high-end cars and SUVs for the overseas market. 9 R&D capability Chinese automotive component manufacturers are able to manufacture products when they are provided with designs and specifications, however most of them lack design, engineering and R&D capabilities. Owing to weak R&D and engineering capabilities, many local suppliers have opted to enter into technical collaborations or JVs with leading international suppliers with the goal of facilitating the transfer of technology and improve basic product engineering capabilities. A growing number of Chinese auto parts suppliers have begun to invest in and acquire western firms. Domestic R&D capabilities of Chinese automotive part manufacturers have historically been limited due to the small-scale of most operations and a shortage of investment in laboratory facilities in comparison to international firms. Taking steps to remedy the situation, the Chinese government has continued to encourage investment in R&D for core systems, such as engines, transmission systems, steering systems, brake systems and driving control systems. Safety and reputational issues Incidents and product recalls have raised questions about the quality and safety standards of Chinese manufactured automotive components. According to the 2009 China Automotive Product Quality & After Service Quality report, among the 9359 complaints documented about Chinese made cars, 19. 5% were related to engine problems; 10. 5% to steering systems; 10. 7% to braking systems; 18. 5% to automobile accessories and electronics; and the remaining 40. 8% related to the gearbox, clutch, front and rear axles, suspension systems and air conditioning systems. As a result of complaints and recalls, as well as other non-automotive related manufacturing scandals in China including melamine milk, contaminated pet food, and anti-freeze laced toothpaste, Chinese manufactures are facing serious issues about their reputation. This is a problem local manufacturers will have to overcome if they want to increase their competitiveness on the global stage. The drivers are in place for Chinese domestic manufacturers to move to the forefront of the global automotive industry, but substantial domestic investment in R&D and improvements on quality and reputation are a necessary prerequisite. 1. 3 EMERGING INDUSTRY TRENDS Industry Drivers The rapid expansion of the Chinese automotive industry has been largely attributed to the growth in domestic demand for passenger vehicles and international demand for affordable automotive components. The Chinese government also continues to play an important role in encouraging the growth of the industry. 10 China’s Automotive Sector – Prepared for IEICI Updated November 2010 (Original April 2009) Tier II and Tier III cities emerge as market growth engines In 2010, most multinational automakers have included a focus on Central and Western China markets into their strategies in order to capture future growth opportunities. For example, Volkswagen is ramping up capacity of its Chengdu plant more than doubling its production of Sagitars and Jettas from 150,000 to 350,000. GAIC Toyota (a JV between Guangzhou Automobile Industry Corporation and Toyota) is considering building a small and price-competitive car to target the lower end of the market. The JV also announced plans to expand its dealership network across central and Western China. Central and western China have emerged as the main growth engine of the automotive market. According to CAAM, automobile sales in second and third-tier cities in the first nine months of 2009 surged 41 percent and 51 percent respectively, while sales in the firsttier cities increased by 34 percent. Domestic demand has been fueled by rising incomes and a growing middle class creating a larger consumer culture. The purchase of an automobile is increasingly becoming a symbol of financial success. In the past, the focus has been on coastal cities. Since 2009, tier II and tier III cities have emerged as the strongest market growth engines (see more details on your left) Even though large cities in China are facing serious traffic congestion issues, Chinese have not been deterred about making new automobile purchases. China overtook the U. S. as the world’s number one automotive market in January 2009. The positive developments in the passenger vehicle industry have benefitted both domestic auto manufacturers (which are emerging from their infancy stages and developing competitive capabilities) and major international automotive giants (which have increased investment into China to expand their presence). However, with per capita car ownership was still only 4. 78% in 2009, still far below the 40% average in developed countries. This is a strong sign that domestic demand for passenger vehicles will remain high in years to come. The domestic aftermarket for automotive components is increasingly becoming an important driver of the industry. More than thirteen million cars are sold annually in China which is leading to a growing market for automobile repairs and further stimulating domestic demand for automotive components. International demand for automotive components has also increased as international automotive firms face pressures to reduce costs and take advantage of more economical alternatives abroad. China’s inexpensive labor force presents an attractive option for producing lower-cost automotive components, which were initially primarily for the international aftermarket but are increasingly being used by international OEMs. The majority of leading international automobile OEMs have established global sourcing offices, R&D centers as well as regional headquarters in China. 11 China’s Automotive Sector – Prepared for IEICI Updated November 2010 (Original April 2009) Finally, the Chinese government continues to play an important role in driving the industry. Post-WTO accession concessions have resulted in lower import tariffs, giving international automotive firms more access to the domestic market. Beijing has actively encouraged the establishment of JV R&D centers with preferential tax policies designed to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and technology. The government has pledged substantial funds towards automotive technology innovation, upgrades, and the R&D of alternative-fuel automobiles and components. They are also setting restrictions and quotas requiring all vehicles that are used for government use to be produced domestically. Industry Consolidation China is determined to restructure its automotive industry, with the hopes of changing the market from many fragmented manufactures to two or three dominant domestic firms. According to the State Council’s regulations released in early September 2010 which called for greater industrial consolidation, the automobile industry was at the top of the list of targeted sectors. The State Council set the goal of reducing the number of major automakers who are responsible for 90% of domestic sales output, from 14 to 10. Under the plan two or three companies would dominate the industry, responsible for producing more than three million vehicles annually, while four others would have annual output capacity of 1. 5 million units. The State Council named the following four groups as potential industry heavyweights, urging them to take advantage of consolidation opportunities: FAW; Dongfeng; China’s Automotive Sector – Prepared for IEICI Updated November 2010 (Original April 2009) Flagship Domestic Automotive Companies Shanghai Automotive (Group) Corp (SAIC) Industry ? Headquartered in Shanghai, it is one of the top three auto groups in China. ? Mainly engaged in the manufacturing, sales and R&D for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and auto components. ? The company is ranked 223 of the Fortune 500 companies with consolidated revenue of US$33. 6 billion in 2009. ? Sold over 2. 7 million vehicles in 2009, making up almost 20% of China’s market. ? SAIC invested over 10 billion RMB on new model development in the past 3 years, and will launch hybrid and electric vehicles in 2010 and 2012. ? Acquired Nanjing Automotive (Group) Corp (NAC) in 2007 and became the largest manufacturer in China with a consolidated annual production of 2 million units. ? SAIC has opened branches in the USA, Europe, Hong Kong, Japan and Korea. It has established a long-term cooperation with GM and Volkswagen. SAIC and GM formed Shanghai GM and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) in 1997 and launched 8 additional China joint ventures, including SAIC-GM-Wuling, GMAC-SAIC Automotive Finance Company, and General Motors SAIC Investment Limited. ? Shanghai Volkswagen (a joint venture between SAIC and Volkswagen AG) recently announced it will build a fifth assembly plant in Jiangsu. The plant will have an annual production capacity of 300,000 vehicles and start operation by the end of 2012. 12 SAIC and Chang’an. Additionally, it named four regional leaders that it encouraged to consider regional consolidation: Beijing Automobile; Guangzhou Automobile; Cherry and Sinotruck. All of these companies are passenger vehicle manufacturers with the exception of Sinotruck which manufactures heavy-duty trucks (sales of over 125,000 units in 2009). Industry analysts predict that the coming wave of M&As within the automotive sector could see a deal that breaks the USD 1 billion mark, more than doubling the largest deal to date which was the USD 450 million purchase of General Motors’. Nexteer steering components unit by a joint venture established by Beijing’s Tempo Group and the Beijing government. Global Expansion As the leading automotive market, China automakers are accelerating global transformation to increase their presence in the overseas market. Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (one of China’s largest independent carmakers) recently completed its acquisition of Ford Motor’s Volvo brand for USD 1. 5 billion. This is an indication that Chinese automakers have begun to recognize the power of strong brand reputation. Geely’s Volvo bid is the largest takeover in Chinese auto industry and will provide a pattern for Chinese carmakers to expand aboard and acquire companies with a strong reputation. Beiqi Foton, China’s leading commercial automaker followed Geely’s step and announced its global expansion plan. This includes setting up a production base in Russia by 2012 with an annual capacity of 100, 000 vehicles and building five other plants in Brazil, India, Russia, Mexico and Thailand before 2015. New Energy Vehicle: Focus of Future Development High oil prices, air pollution, and China’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions have led the automotive industry to explore alternative energies. The Chinese government has launched policies and incentives to stimulate the development of new energy vehicles, including electric (hybrid, plug-in and battery), fuel cell, and hydrogen-powered. China has identified new energy vehicle as one of the seven emerging strategic industries. Many estimate China will become the world’s largest new energy vehicle market by 2020. The Energy Saving and New Energy Vehicle Development Plan (2011-2020) and the Automotive Industry 12th Five-year Plan (2011-2015), two of the key policies expected to guide the development of new energy vehicle industry, are expected to come out by the end of 2010. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) is the principal drafter of these plans which are later submitted to the State Council for approval. The plans set the following key targets for the new energy vehicle industry by the end of 2020: ? In the following five years China will aggressively support the development of key components of energy efficient and new energy automobiles. For electric motors and 13 China’s Automotive Sector – Prepared for IEICI Updated November 2010 (Original April 2009) ? ? batteries manufacturers, China hopes that three to five â€Å"backbone† enterprises will emerge with their combined market share exceeding 60%. China will produce 5 million new energy vehicles and become the number one producer of new energy vehicles in the world by 2020; Average fuel economy of passenger vehicles will be 4. 5 L/100 kilometers by 2020, the same as European standards. The plans will become the backbone policy for the entire new energy vehicle industry, as it provides direction for public funding, sector focus and industry structuring. Most important to pay attention to is that Chinese companies are likely to reap the most benefits from these structured strategies. To support indigenous innovation, the Chinese government has stated that the two or three key new energy vehicle component manufacturers will most likely be domestic companies, either state-owned or private. 2 REGULATORY OVERVIEW ? Government tariffs on automotive imports are in compliance with WTO rules, but minimum capital barriers still exist for foreign investors. The government has created some incentives to spur R&D partnership, and regulations for foreign distributers have been eased somewhat. The government has plans to implement higher auto emissions standards for new cars in China. So far four regions have implemented â€Å"China IV† emission standards (Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing and Guangdong Province). The Chinese government views the development of the new energy vehicle industry in China as a top priority and has introduced a wide range of subsidies and policies in its favor. ? ? China’s automotive industry supply chain is very broad with many components such as import and export, manufacturing, environmental protection, technology upgrades and quality control. As such, the industry is regulated by a range of government organs, both at the national and sub-national level. The below chart illustrates the key central level regulators of the automotive industry, and their relevant responsibilities. 14 China’s Automotive Sector – Prepared for IEICI Updated November 2010 (Original April 2009) The automotive industry is subject to a number of laws and regulations. The key regulations that are relevant to Israeli companies are addressed below. 2. 1 FOREIGN ACCESS TO THE CHINESE AUTOMOTIVE MARKET Trade The Chinese auto sector is competitive and has a well-developed supply chain. Imports of foreign-made auto parts will likely decrease as OEMs continue to increase their local capacities. At the same time, higher quality Chinese auto parts are increasingly being integrated into the global supply chain. Currently the import tariff for whole vehicles is 25% and for automotive components is 10%. 15 China’s Automotive Sector – Prepared for IEICI Updated November 2010 (Original April 2009) Investment Foreign businesses must meet a number of requirements in order to access China’s automotive market. The Chinese government has set requirements for minimum registered capital when a firm wants to establish an automotive facility which is RMB 500 million (USD 75 million3) for automobile financing, RMB 500 million (USD 75 million) for engine production and RMB 10 million (USD 1. 5 million) for an R&D center. All projects are subject to government approval. Foreign firms looking to produce passenger vehicles cannot set up WOFEs, but must partner with a local Chinese firm in the form of a JV, with the foreign partner’s stake limited to 50%. On the other hand, China offers fiscal and financial incentives to attract foreign investment in R&D strategies as part of the central government’s strategy to speed up the transfer of international technology. China currently provides tax incentives for enterprises engaged in research and development activities, allowing R&D enterprises to deduct 50% of R&D expenses. Suppliers are most often required to localize or invest in China and Israeli companies interested in tapping into the vast Chinese market will need to consider establishing a local presence. IPR Issues in China While the protection of intellectual property rights (IPR) remains a contentious issue for companies in China, the country’s laws and regulations have progressed considerably in recent years, with the large majority now compliant with requirements of the WTO’s TRIPS agreement. The main challenge surrounding IPR protection in China is the lack of effective enforcement of the existing regulations. Enforcement issues arise from a range of root causes, including the relatively recent introduction of IPR legislation and concept of intellectual property in general, the absence of a fully independent judicial system, and provincial officials’ often protective attitude towards local job creating counterfeiting industries. While most foreign companies considering business operations in China may have to accept an unavoidable degree of IPR infringement, there are nevertheless a number of actions that a company can take in order to limit their IPR-related risk: ? ? ? Ensure to register your patents, copyrights, or trademarks with the relevant bureaus Ensure that your trade or other.

Gender Roles in The Good Earth Essays - O-Lan, The Good Earth

Gender Roles in The Good Earth Essays - O-Lan, The Good Earth Daniel Kang Ms. Menard Honors English 8 13 May 2014 Gender Roles in The Good Earth Pearl S. Buck's opinion about the gender roles of China of the time is plainly written in her texts of The Good Earth. In the book, Wang Lung treats woman differently based on their looks. In the beginning of the story, Wang Lung treats O-lan as an equal because she works and cooks and at that time, that is all that he cared about. Then, after Wang Lung buys the land and becomes very prosperous off of it, he suddenly, as if a veil had been lifted from his eyes, he notices O-lan's ugliness. Lotus on the other hand, is treated a totally different way by Wang Lung. Lotus comes into play when Cuckoo tempts Wang Lung at a teahouse. He adores Lotus and gives her everything she desires in return for her satisfying his lust. Pearl S. Buck shows that beauty ranked a woman not their usefulness. One of the main topics that Pearl S. Buck focuses on in this book is how unfair women were treated. She shows the reader that Wang Lung made a mistake near the end of the book when O-lan dies. Wang Lung is very proud of his sons. Then, he remembers that it was O-lan that gave birth to them. He regrets how he mistreated O-lan. The author does a great job showing the reader the violation of women's rights and how it should be changed. Gender roles play a great role in China during the time period that The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck takes place. Women, were just property in Wang Lung's household. Wang Lung definitely shows favoritism in woman. "He saw for the first time that her hair was rough and brown and unoiled and that her face was large and flat and coarse-skinned, and her features too large altogether and without any sort of beauty or light. Her eyebrows were scattered and the hairs too few, and her lips were too wide, and her hands and feet were large and spreading" (The Good Earth 169). After becoming rich, Wang Lung starts to notice O-lan's ugliness and becomes angry. Treasured by Wang Lung, Lotus satisfies him. Cuckoo, previously a slave in the House of Hwang, said to Wang Lung, "There they are, their pictures. Choose which one you wish to see and put the silver in my hand and I will place her before you" (The Good Earth 176). Wang Lung is tempted into a life of lust by Cuckoo. He meets Lotus and can never stop seeing her. He goes to great lengths to ensure that Lotus is his. He brings her to his house and adores her. The difference between men and women becomes a main focus of the book. Pearl S. Buck wrote this book to signify the importance of gender roles. Wang Lung appreciates O-lan for her sons and as time goes on and he becomes rich, he notices her ugliness and gives his attention to a woman named Lotus. Gender roles play an important part in this book and are signified in the way Wang Lung treats the women in his life.

Democratization Process in Argentina

Democratization Process in Argentina The politics of Argentina have been described as being eccentric and rather unconventional for various reasons. Economically, the country was rich, but deteriorated to almost bankruptcy between the year 1930 and 2001.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Democratization Process in Argentina specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Politically, the country has seen the emergence of autochthonous political movements that have dominated its governance, a good example of which was the most elusive, but relevant example of Peronism (Brennan 64). Socially, Argentina has had a poorly developed middle class. The region has a conventionally weaker middle class, with universal education barely existing anywhere (Grugel 21). On the international front, Argentina and Cuba have been the countries that have constantly opposed the United State’s foreign policies, even though Argentina never took sides openly, either with the Soviet Union or the Nazi Germany. In its history, Argentina has been among the most economically developed countries in the Latin America, yet among the least politically stable countries in the region. Despite having all these peculiarities attributed to it, the Argentine political cycles have been in tandem with the international developments, which have been taking place over time (Petras 26). The country has witnessed frequent breakdown of its democracy followed by re-democratization. Between the year 1930 and 1976, Argentina experienced six coups d’à ©tat. The coups were mainly due to internal conflicts that led to rival alliances, mainly civil-military, to rise against one another. None of the coups were instigated externally, as was the case in most parts of Central America; neither had the coups ever been caused by indirect involvement of external forces, as was the case of the United State’s support in the ousting of the Chilean president (Tella 43).Advertising Looking for case study on political culture? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More However, Argentina’s authoritarian leaders shared periods with their counterparts in the region in implementing key policies economically and in the combating of terrorism. Regime change, in the region, was not an exclusively domestic phenomenon, but a rather coordinated cooperation among the supporters of the authoritarian regimes in the region, despite the regimes being rivals with one another, in the same measure, as some were friends (Portantiero 31). In 1946, Domingo Peron ascended to Argentina’s presidency. He introduced corporatist policies in which the institutions that were sanctioned by the state had influence in government. Peron allowed labor leaders distinct privilege, since he had much of his support from the labor union movements. According to Clarin (19), Peron’s administration appealed to the working class t hat was less skilled, as well as, the middle class, mainly industrialists who saw the regime as favoring industrial growth, due to the hostile policies of the regime towards foreign corporations. Peron introduced far-reaching policy initiatives in 1947 that aimed at creating national self-dependence through industries that would sustain military and strategic independence. He nationalized docks and railroads from the British and made possible public ownership of the financial sector. Through public enterprise, entities were created to supply military goods and other services that were considered essential. His loan policies favored the production of food, machinery and cars (Blanksten 102). Peron’s government closely controlled foreign trade, and provided differentiated protection to stimulate industries in specified sectors. The protectionism favored plastics, pharmaceuticals and chemicals, which responded with growth that was faster than average.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Democratization Process in Argentina specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In a bid to earn favor from the unions and fulfill electoral promises, Peron raised the real wages for workers by 25 percent, which was way ahead of labor productivity increase in Argentina (Clarin 27). As a result, unit labor costs increased more than the nascent industries were able to support. The social outcry increased while the government increasingly became unstable. Peron had achieved most of the goals he had initially intended by changing the Argentine output structure. However, the economy bore a heavy burden due to his distorted wage policies that saw the country fail to respond to incentives from the comparative advantage point of view. Argentina fell in international competitiveness as a deficit emerged in its balance of payment. In a desperate bid to maintain stability, the government controlled foreign trade (Pion-Berlin 4 9). However, the crisis grew leading to escalated foreign debts. Dissatisfied by the government, the military overthrew Peron in 1955. In 1989, the Peronist party led by Carlos Menem won the presidential elections amid hyperinflation and a shrunken gross domestic product. When he ascended to office, Menem whose campaign had a populist approach executed an unexpectedly neoliberal economic program (Balze 87). During his first month as president, Menem persuaded the congress, which was already divided to approve a law that would reform the state law and allow an economic emergency in which state enterprises were sold off. The government then embarked on privatization and other reforms with little congressional oversight. Having minimized interference by the congress in state matters, Menem reduced the independence of the judiciary and enlarged the Supreme Court, which became dominated by appointees loyal to him, and that would shield the courts from challenging the government’s often-controversial policies. Menem also replaced the fiscal tribunal membership as well as the administrative inquiries’ state attorney unconstitutionally. The justice minister quit his post in 1991 due to his unwillingness to support administration in a plan to replace state prosecutors and independent federal judges with people who were loyal to the president’s agenda (Smith 74).Advertising Looking for case study on political culture? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More By early 1990s, Menem had as much power as the previous military dictators in Argentina, something he termed as unavoidable, and it would enable him tackle the looming economic crisis (Paolera 33). Several cabinet ministers resigned from office in 1991 on an allegation of corruption. In a move to regain credibility, Menem appointed a renowned economist to the post of economic minister, who with assistance from the World Bank overhauled the privatization framework and negotiated for privatization of the airline and highway. The economy minister helped introduce a new currency whose exchange rate with the American dollar was to remain one-to-one. The move controlled the hyperinflation and sparked rapid economic growth. In 1995, Argentina together with Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil created a free trade zone called Mercosur. Having achieved national and international acclaim for successful reform Menem embarked on constitutional reform and democratization that would enable him to vie fo r reelection in 1995 (Ferrer 143). He won the elections. Although he was a Peronist, Menem’s policies differed from Peron’s radically. While Peron emphasized on state-led industries and resisted foreign capital, Menem believed in openness, privatization and liberalization. Mercosur, under the leadership of Argentina, adopted a democracy clause in 1996 that barred interruption of the constitutional order in any of the member states. Menem’s regime ended in the year 2000 with the country having slipped poverty back with a collapsed economy (McCoy 123). Kirchner ascended to power in 2003. His regime promoted class bias as the underlying economic recovery strategy. By 2004, Argentina had realized an economic growth of 8.7 percent with unemployment decreasing at 6 percent. The export sector grew rapidly due to devaluation with the agriculture and petroleum sector performing well. The devaluation also promoted the growth of local industries (). Kirchner’s excha nge rate policy had a substantive impact on Argentina’s fiscal balance, which improved revenue via export tariffs. Argentina, under Kirchner, has also been favored by high international prices for most of its products, while the competitive and stable exchange rate served to aid the macroeconomic policies of the regime. However, Kirchner’s regime has been characterized by high poverty levels, indigence and increasing inequality among the people economically (Weyland 89). Politically, Kirchner’s regime carried out fundamental changes in the military, judiciary and law enforcement agencies. He replaced corrupt Supreme Court judges that had served under Menem with a team of respected jurists. He also forced police chiefs and top military generals into retirement, due to inadequate human rights credentials, such as involvement in kidnapping, illicit contraband, and extortion activities (Rapetti 98). He also repealed amnesty, which military generals in the 1976 to 19 82 dirty war, had been granted by previous administrations, as well as, fought the bribe-taking tradition that was deep-rooted in the congress. Through these efforts, Kirchner managed to partially re-legitimize government institutions and improve public confidence in the government. Kirchner carried out many social programs, the most successful of which was in pharmaceuticals. His government provided drugs in primary care clinics to the low-income families estimated to cover over 15 million people. It also provided drugs, to AIDS victims, while the generic prescription law increased access to prescription drugs, by about 4 million Argentines, who could not previously afford the drugs. Balze, Felipe. Remaking the Argentine Economy. New York: Council of Foreign Relations Press, 1995. Print. Blanksten, Glodberg. Peron’s Argentina. New York: Russell Russell, 1969. Print. Brennan, James. Region and Nation: Politics, Economics and Society in Twentieth Century Argentina. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 2000. Print. Clarin, Tella. Argentina under Peron: The Nation’s Experience with a Labor-Based Government. Hong Kong: Macmillan Press, 1983. Print. Ferrer, Aldo. The Argentine Economy. Los Angeles: University Of California Press, 1967. Print. Grugel, Riggirozzi. â€Å"The Return of the State in Argentina.† Journal of International Affairs 83.1 (2007): 20-26. Mccoy, Jennifer. Political Learning and Re-Democratization in Latin America: Do Politicians Learn From Political Crises. Miami: North-South Center Press, 2000. Print. Paolera, Gerardo. A New Economic History of Argentina. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2010. Print. Petras, Munck. â€Å"Unarmed Utopia Revisited: The Resurgence Of Left of Centre Politics in Latin America.† Journal of Peasant Studies 22.2 (2006): 20-25. Print. Pion-Berlin, David. The Ideology of State Terror: Economic Doctrine and Political Repression in Argentina and Peru. London: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 19 89. Print. Portantiero, Prebisch. The Political and Economic Crisis in Argentina. Hampshire: Macmillan Publishers, 1989. Print. Rapetti, Frenkel. â€Å"Five Years of Competitive and Stable Real Exchange Rate in Argentina.† International Review of Applied Economics 22.2 (2008): 98-100. Print. Smith, Roberts. â€Å"State, Market and Neoliberalism in Post-Transition Argentina: The Menem Experiment.† Journal of Inter-American Studies and World Affairs 33.4 (1991): 72-76. Print. Tella, Guido. The Political Economy of Argentina. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1986. Print. Weyland, Kurt. The Politics of Market Reform in Fragile Democracies: Argentina, Brazil, Peru and Venezuela. Oxford: Princeton University Press, 2010. Print.

Personal statement for Ucas Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Personal statement for Ucas - Essay Example My capability of handling this course can be traced back to my childhood. I have always enjoyed such subjects as, mathematics, and physics. More to this, I am a good team player, who corporate maximally with other members to promote the intended objective. Given that this field requires a lot of cooperation to enhance effectiveness, I believe that I shall find it easy to work with my fellow students and colleagues after graduation. In addition, I am a very curious person. I ask several questions, and analyze situations in detail, which I believe will help me achieve success in the course, and in my future career. Having worked as an intern in Balfour Beatty plc for three months, I am further convinced that mechanical engineering adds meaning to my life. During the period of the internship, I developed my analysis, and design skills, which encouraged me to pursue this course. My inspiration to undertake this course is intrinsic. First, I am a hardworking individual, as evidenced by my high grades. I purpose to be the best in what I do, and will ensure that I do my assignments well. Secondly, I enjoy engaging in challenging activities as they promote my problem solving skills. Taking this course will expose me to technical issues that will engage my mind, thus giving me a great time in school. In addition, famous mechanical engineers, such as, Leighton Sissom inspires my life. I admire his dedication into the field, and get encouraged that I can also make it in this field. His renowned leadership in engineering makes me realize that this course offers more than just course work. Additionally, he has published various works that contribute to the advancement of engineering (Ficarra, 2010, pp.696-697). Being in the company of professional engineers also encourages me to pursue the subject. My mentor, for example, is an engineer by profession. I admire what he does, and he encourages me to pursue the subject. He

Art Project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Art Project - Essay Example For the sea, I chose pictures of the sea in varying states, from calm seas to violently stormy seas showing differing color intensities. For the land I chose some pictures showing greenery and beautiful landscapes, placing these on a small fraction of the land sections. I decided against using any animal pictures as this were not quite in line with what I was planning. The rest of the land section I covered with pictures of factories, large buildings and garbage to show the dire situation that our land is in. The more fuming the factory scenes were the better! I also have pictures of pipes leading to the seas, showing how industrial and domestic activities are polluting our earth. I put a lot off effort in the selection of the pictures, a time consuming process. I shaped all the continents while continuing with the cube style. It was difficult to use cubes for the continents. Some were not too co-operative, but I am pleased with the final outcome. The style I chose for my work was la rgely influenced by the works of artists David Hockney, who chose photographs for collages as well as Camille Zakharia for the cube technique. I was also greatly influenced by Charles Fazzino who works with 3-D in Styrofoam as I have done here. This meant that I had to cut the pictures to exact sizes before I could use them. I also overlapped them slightly so that each picture became a part of the next and did not stand out individually. To show how the situation we are in today is largely due to the work of our own hands, I created plaster jips of my own hands. This was difficult as the gimps kept breaking or cracking until I ran out of the jips issued at school. I replaced these with a cheaper quality jip that did not work so well. This process took up much of my time and effort. There is need to continue practicing Continuing the cube approach as well as the good and evil theme, one of the hands (the 'good' or nature one) is covered with cubed photographs of greenery and beautiful things such as plants and flowers to represent the progress made by environmentalists in trying to save the earth. I also chose some greenery to go around the base of the hand. This had to be as beautiful as possible to draw a person to the loveliness that can be achieved when one nurtures nature. The 'bad' hand is covered by similar pictures to those covering the land spaces on the globe. These represent all the evil work that man conti nues to do to the planet. In contrast to the good hand that is cradling the earth, the bad hand 'claws' into the earth, tearing it apart and causing destruction. Part of me wanted to tear the pictures around the claws, maybe make it a little rough but I was not sure I could pull it off so I left it for when I have greater confidence and time. The hand is covered in garbage and dump heaps. This hand also has pipes leading to the background filled with space pictures. In contemplating this stage, I chose to do this so that I can show the balance that earth hangs in the solar system as well as the destructive consequences of mans activities with time. The pipes are a reflection of the influence of our activities on polluting the solar system. On the other hand, the balance of the earth lies in our hands and that is why the nature hand cradles the earth.The space background also helps in portraying the 3D visual effect of earth in space and I covered